ENGLISH
REFERENCE

eulogy

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈjuɫədʒi// UK //jˈuːlədʒi// eu·lo·gy

n. a speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly, usually someone who has just died. It is often given at a funeral to remember the person's life.

n. a speech or written tribute delivered in high praise of a person or thing, typically one recently deceased. Often follows a formal structure at a memorial service.


SIMPLE

She delivered a moving eulogy at her grandfather's funeral.

CONTEXTUAL

The former president's eulogy highlighted his lifelong commitment to civil rights and public service.

COMPLEX

Writing a balanced eulogy requires the speaker to navigate the delicate space between honest remembrance and the traditional requirement for celebratory praise.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English wloge (“commendation of the virtues of a deceased person”), from Latin eulogium, apparently from a confusion between ēlogium (whence English elogium, elogy) and eulogia (from Ancient Greek εὐλογία (eulogía, “praise”), whence English eulogia); equivalent to eu- + logia ("good words"). Doublet of eulogium.

Usage

Commonly takes the preposition 'to' or 'for' when identifying the subject.

Pitfall

he gave a beautiful elegyhe gave a beautiful eulogyLearners often confuse 'eulogy' (a speech of praise) with 'elegy' (a sad poem or song for the dead).

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